What is a VPN?

Considеring how today our entire lives function in the online space, protecting ourselves against privacy brеachеs and data snooping becomes extremely important. Now this, is where VPNs step in. Here’s all you need to know about what a VPN is, and how it works. 

What VPNs are and what they do

A VPN, or a Virtual Private Network,  is a secure gateway between your device and your internet connection. Through this gateway, it becomes impossible for any third party to gain access to information about your activities online. This includes your browsing history, private stored data, and even file transfers. 

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A VPN’s use is not just limited to privacy, though. It also helps you in accessing data online, which might be banned in your country. VPN picks up IP addresses from a different country, making it possible for you to access any content that might be available there exclusively. This stands true even for social media networks and streaming services.

Additionally, a VPN also comes in handy while using public Wi-FI networks. Sometimes, we find ourselves using Wi-Fi networks at airports or cafes. These networks are quite vulnerable to cyber attacks, since they are often the easiest to access, and therefore a prime target for hackers. Using a VPN here helps protect yourself from cyber attacks, and safeguards your private information such as credit card numbers and more.

How A VPN works

How VPNs work is, once you turn them on, on your devices, they form a virtual encryption wherein all your internet traffic has to go through it first, before reaching your screens. It subsequently masks your IP address, making it impossible to track your original IP address, and therefore safeguarding your privacy. 

As you can see then, a VPN is an important bit of technology, and is a must have today, whether it is on your smartphones or laptops.